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“I deserve to fight for the belt” – Mansur Malachiev says he is one win away from becoming world champion

Mansur Malachiev has his sights set on the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship, but someone is standing in his way.

The Russian juggernaut will take on second-ranked MMA contender Bokang “Little Giant” Masunyane in a decisive divisional showdown at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Prime Video in US primetime this Friday, October 4th This game at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium could produce the next World Cup challenger.

A man of few words, Malachiev tends to leave his performances to the ring and let the circle do the talking for him.

Now that he is wrapping up his training camp, the 32-year-old admits he is not too worried about what the South African powerhouse will bring to the table.

Malachiev, who is ranked No. 5 among MMA strawweight contenders, told onefc.com:

“Honestly, I don’t think about him often. But I’m very happy to be fighting a guy who is ranked No. 2 in the division because a fight like this brings me closer to my ultimate dream of winning a title.”

Of course, Malachiev did his homework. He knows that “Little Giant” is a multiple-time African Wrestling Champion and explosive takedown artist who has only lost once in his professional MMA career.

Nevertheless, he is quick to point out that this is mixed martial arts. And even if it were a wrestling match, he is confident that his Dagestani-born wrestling and grappling attack is superior.

The Russian said:

“His strength is his powerful wrestling, but I'm sure he can surprise me in other aspects too. MMA is always full of surprises and everything is to be expected. I am sure that I will be better than my opponent in both wrestling and stand-up [fighting].”

Ultimately, Malachiev remains focused on getting his hand raised no matter what. Whether it's a first-round knockout or a grueling three-round war, a win on October 4th is his only goal.

He is also aware that a strong performance against Masunyane would bring him much closer to the coveted chance of winning £26 gold.

Malachiev added:

“I don't like to talk too much before the fight, but I will do everything to win this fight. For me it's not important to finish him early. The most important thing for me is to win this fight and prove that I am the best.

“After the win, I deserve to fight for the belt and that will be fair since Bokang is number two in the rankings.”

Mansur Malachiev wants to fight the “real champion” Jarred Brooks

While a win over Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25 could secure Mansur Malachiev's gold medal shot, the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship picture isn't so simple.

While reigning titleholder Joshua “The Passion” Pacio was sidelined due to injury, Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks secured the interim belt with a dominant submission victory over Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart last August.

That win gave Brooks a shot at unifying the world title, but with Pacio out indefinitely, the American could potentially defend his interim title in the meantime.

In any case, Malachiev considers Brooks to be the true world champion of the division, and for this reason he prefers to face him first and get revenge later on Pacio – the only man who defeated him.

The Russian said:

“I think Brooks is the real champion, not Pacio. That's why I would like to fight him.

“His strength is his wrestling. Of course, you can't underestimate his stand-up ability either, as he has shown that he is good in every aspect, both in stand-up and wrestling. But I'm sure I have some advantages and when we fight I will be better. I can beat Brooks. I’m sure it will be a very entertaining fight for the fans.”

Brooks, for his part, has never been afraid to heap insults and criticism on potential opponents, and Malachiev is no exception.

The Russian says he'll make Brooks pay for his trash talk one day.

Malachiev offered:

“In my opinion, Brooks will never give much praise to my abilities, judging by the strong words we have exchanged on social media. His biggest mistake is that he talks too much. One day I’ll prove to him that he’s wrong about me and that he’s just a big mouth.”

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